Marin County is launching a campaign to prevent litter from reaching local waterways ahead of expected wetter weather this winter.
The Marin Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program installed approximately 200 decals in areas identified as having higher concentrations of litter. The decals feature local wildlife including pelicans, ducks, otters, herons, kingfishers and frogs, each depicted holding pieces of trash to highlight the connection between street litter and waterway health. The decals were placed at community centers, parks, libraries, transit stops, bike paths and other public locations throughout the county.
The campaign, called "Every Piece Inspires Change" (EPIC), encourages residents and businesses to prevent litter from reaching waterways through simple daily actions. Recommendations include checking sidewalks and gutters for litter, keeping garbage and recycling containers properly closed and covered, moving vehicles on street-sweeping days, securing loads in vehicles, and properly disposing of cigarette butts.
MCSTOPPP said it can provide cleanup supplies including litter pickers, gloves, safety vests, buckets and bags to support community volunteer efforts. The program, established in 1993, works with Marin County and its 11 cities and towns to meet requirements under federal Clean Water Act permits and protect waterways across more than 3,000 miles of creeks, bays and waterways in the county.
Rob Carson, Stormwater Program Administrator at MCSTOPPP, said that "keeping even one piece of litter off the street is one less piece that can make its way into a storm drain, creek or the Bay."